Amid Political Bickering, YMCA Gives Cable News the Boot

Because apparently, America, we cannot have nice political debate at the gym
By Polly Davis Doig,  Newser Staff
Posted Mar 6, 2017 3:06 PM CST
As Tempers Flare, Scranton YMCA Bans Cable News
A woman watches a television health show while walking on a treadmill at her local YMCA in this 2014 file photo.   (AP Photo/David Goldman)

You know how a few miles on the treadmill can really get your pulse racing? Well, it seems the same can be said of MSNBC and Fox News, so nary the two shall meet at the Greater Scranton YMCA, which has seen tempers get a little hot of late. "There’s been some boisterous conversations going on around politics probably over the last six months or so," the Y's CEO tells the Times Leader of the decision to ban cable news. "So the board decided to put a policy in place." She says the reaction has been near-universal relief: "I’ve had three emails and a phone call that didn’t agree with it, but I’ve had about 100 members come up and say I’m so glad you did this." While the gym didn't see actual fights break out, there was one near-miss that she says "was broken up by another member before it got to that point."

Members will still be free to watch the likes of ESPN and the Weather Channel, but CNN, MSNBC, and Fox are on longer being aired, notes the Hill. "I think it’s probably a good thing," says one member. "People are here to do one thing. I’m OK with local news, but I’m here to work out, not talk politics." Another member of 50 years doesn't like the limitation. "I think they made a big mistake with this," he says. "People have the right to watch what they want, when they want. Because two other people got in an argument, that’s their problem. The rest of us shouldn’t be punished for it." (Scranton gym rats will be missing John Oliver's highly targeted advertising.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X